This date was established by UNESCO and UN-Women to recognise the importance of women’s contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and to encourage the interest and motivation of girls and women to pursue careers in these areas.
STEM fields play a crucial role in the development of a modern and connected society. Therefore, the inclusion of women in these fields is essential, not only for technological and scientific advancement, but also to foster innovation and creativity.
LinkedIn data, presented in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, reveals that female representation in the STEM workforce has increased since 2016. However, they represent only 28.2% of the workforce in these sectors.
The importance of diversity in STEM fields
Gender diversity enriches the creation of new solutions and problem solving from different perspectives. A Michael Page study highlights that diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategies are currently drivers for the growth and evolution of companies, with a direct impact on their productivity and financial performance.
Unfortunately, the participation of women in technical areas remains low due to various factors, such as stereotypes associating technical skills with male characteristics, lack of female representation and role models, lack of support and encouragement for girls from childhood, and even a hostile culture in corporate and academic environments.
It is therefore essential to find ways to overcome the barriers, unconscious biases and stereotypes that keep women away from STEM fields, to show that they can not only conquer their place, but also become role models for future generations.
How women can excel in STEM careers
Building a career in STEM goes beyond developing technical skills. Below, we share some strategies that can help women grow and advance their careers in this field.
Seek mentoring
Connecting with mentors can provide valuable guidance, emotional support and practical advice on how to navigate academic and corporate environments. One example is the OICampus Mentoring Programme where a professional from the company accompanies them through their time at university. Identify mentoring programmes and inspirational people in your area of specialisation, and make connections with them.
Develop communication skills
The ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively is crucial in any field, especially in STEM, where technical complexity can be a challenge when explaining non-technical topics. Developing skills in communication and public speaking can help you improve the presentation of projects and ideas.
Get involved in communities
Participating in communities and support groups can provide a sense of belonging (such as Telefónica Discovery OpenTechTalks ) and for sharing experiences and strategies. Seek out local or online groups focused on women in STEM to exchange knowledge. Also, attend meetups and workshops to develop your technical skills while strengthening links with others.
Adapt to constant updates
STEM fields are constantly evolving, with new technologies and challenges emerging every day. The pace of updates can seem overwhelming, but there are many ways to keep up and continue to develop, whether it’s by attending industry events, reading articles and books, or obtaining certifications. Continuous learning allows STEM professionals to stay informed about trends. It also fosters a mindset of curiosity and innovation, essential qualities for leading and advancing in the field.
Developing soft skills
In addition to technical skills, the development of soft skills is fundamental to growth and success in STEM careers. Assertive communication, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and adaptability play a crucial role in fields that are constantly changing.
Conclusion
Investing in the development of these skills not only strengthens the career trajectory of women in STEM, but also gives them greater independence and security in the labour market. In addition, it is essential to seek out environments where you can meet people who inspire and serve as role models for personal and professional growth.
We believe it is important for men to act as allies in this cause and help foster a culture of diversity, continuous learning and adaptability. This will help pave the way for a future where more women can lead, innovate and inspire, promoting a more inclusive and dynamic environment for all.
